An off-shore port system includes a land-based port infrastructure area, an off-shore cargo ship docking area located in a body of water, and a transportation system having at least one tube connecting the land-based port infrastructure area and the off-shore cargo ship docking area.

An elevation-type stair structure comprises: a first stair module, including plural first treads and a first wall surface having a first door and a second door; a second stair module, including plural second treads and a second wall surface having a third door and a fourth door; and an elevator module, enabling the first stair module or the second stair module to be ascended or descended, when the second stair module is ascended for being above a location defined at one side of the first stair module, the second door is aligned with the third door, when the second stair module is descended for being below a location defined at one side of the first stair module, the first door is aligned with the fourth door. Accordingly, a user can walk through the first stair module and the second stair module then return to an original location.

An elevation-type stair structure comprises: a first stair module, including plural first treads and a first wall surface having a first door and a second door; a second stair module, including plural second treads and a second wall surface having a third door and a fourth door; and an elevator module, enabling the first stair module or the second stair module to be ascended or descended, when the second stair module is ascended for being above a location defined at one side of the first stair module, the second door is aligned with the third door, when the second stair module is descended for being below a location defined at one side of the first stair module, the first door is aligned with the fourth door. Accordingly, a user can walk through the first stair module and the second stair module then return to an original location.

Generally, a transportable lift system operable to capture and raise materials from a first height to a second height. Specifically, a lift having first and second length adjustable supports having second ends pivotally coupled to allow opposite first ends to be secured to a surface a distance apart to allow a line pay-out device coupled to the first length adjustable support to pay out a line proximate the first length adjustable support second end, whereby materials attached to the line can be raised from a first height to a second height.

Generally, a transportable lift system operable to capture and raise materials from a first height to a second height. Specifically, a lift having first and second length adjustable supports having second ends pivotally coupled to allow opposite first ends to be secured to a surface a distance apart to allow a line pay-out device coupled to the first length adjustable support to pay out a line proximate the first length adjustable support second end, whereby materials attached to the line can be raised from a first height to a second height.

Method and device (1) for lifting loads (7). An arm (2) that is the load or that supports a load (7) is pivotably connected to a reference. The load results in a torque. At least a part of the counter-torque to result in a system supporting the load is provided by a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring (60).

Method and device (1) for lifting loads (7). An arm (2) that is the load or that supports a load (7) is pivotably connected to a reference. The load results in a torque. At least a part of the counter-torque to result in a system supporting the load is provided by a gas or hydro-pneumatic spring (60).

An energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

An energy storage system includes a crane and a plurality of blocks, where the crane is operable to move blocks from a lower elevation to a higher elevation (via stacking of the blocks) to store electrical energy as potential energy of the blocks, and then operable to move blocks from a higher elevation to a lower elevation (via unstacking of the blocks) to generate electricity based on the kinetic energy of the block when lowered (e.g., by gravity). The energy storage system can, for example, store electricity generated from solar power as potential energy in the stacked blocks during daytime hours when solar power is available, and can convert the potential energy in the stacked blocks into electricity during nighttime hours when solar energy is not available, and deliver the converted electricity to the power grid.

A pipelayer machine having a counterweight assembly is provided. The pipelayer machine can include a main body having first and second sides, a first side track provided on the first side of the main body and a second side track provided on the second side of the main body. A side boom can be provided on the first side of the main body. The counterweight assembly can be provided on the second side of the main body and include a counterweight mounting frame. A counterweight can be provided having a first side with an engagement hook extending from the first side. The engagement hook can be used to attach the counterweight to the counterweight mounting frame.